More Coverage

Related Videos

Since federal safety inspectors swooped down on the historic Arva Flour Mill in May, owner Mike Matthews has been milling solo, 10 hours a day, to keep up with orders.

He hopes a federal labour appeal tribunal will let the old-­fashioned milling process, which has kept the place humming without injury for 113 years, resume full production with full staff soon.

“It’s a bit of work, but we’re keeping people happy. We haven’t run out yet,” Matthews said this week.

In May, inspectors arrived unannounced at the mill north of London and ordered it shut down, saying exposed belts and pulleys posed a safety hazard to workers.

The shutdown was short-lived; Matthews got an exemption to run the mill single-handed until the dispute is resolved. One miller and an apprentice were laid off, but the Arva Mill Store remains open.

Customers value the place for its traditionally milled flour and supporters have lobbied hard on his behalf.

And while Matthews continues his solitary work — no one else is allowed in the mill while the machinery is running — he also is sifting through ideas and quotes on upgrades to bring the facility up to standard. So far, none retains the old mill’s character and function, he said. “We’re trying to keep a piece of history. As soon as you play with that, you lose a piece of history too.”

The exposed rollers and leather-belt-driven motors are visible, tangible processes that may not meet labour safety codes, but are essential to hands-on milling.

Getting a permanent exemption to operate fully would not set a precedent, Matthews argued, because no one builds 100-year-old mills anymore.

MPs Peter Fragiskatos (L–London North Centre) and Bev Shipley (C–Lambton-Kent-Middlesex) have been supportive, as has the London Chamber of Commerce.

“I can’t believe the support we’ve been getting,” Matthews said. “You never know how much people care until something like this happens.”

Matthews hopes to hear back from the tribunal soon. Business has slowed with fewer people baking in hot weather, but ”come September or October, if something is not decided, then that’s a whole different story.”